Overview
This lecture covers key anatomical directional terms, providing definitions, examples, and memory tricks to help you accurately describe locations and relationships in the human body.
Standard Anatomical Position
- The standard anatomical position is standing upright, facing forward, arms at sides, palms forward, legs parallel, and feet flat.
- "Right" and "left" always refer to the patient's own right and left sides.
Medial and Lateral
- Medial means toward the midline (middle) of the body.
- Lateral means toward the side, away from the midline.
- Example: Nose is medial to the eyes; eyes are lateral to the nose.
- Example: Arms are lateral to the torso; torso is medial to the arms.
Superior and Inferior
- Superior means above or toward the head (also called cranial).
- Inferior means below or away from the head (also called caudal).
- Example: Eyes are superior to the mouth; mouth is inferior to the eyes.
- Superior relates to the upper portion; inferior to the lower portion.
Anterior and Posterior
- Anterior means toward the front of the body (also called ventral).
- Posterior means toward the back of the body (also called dorsal).
- Example: Kneecap (patella) is on the anterior leg; elbow (olecranon) is on the posterior arm.
Proximal and Distal
- Proximal means closer to the trunk or point of attachment.
- Distal means farther from the trunk or point of attachment.
- Example: Shoulder is proximal to the elbow; hand is distal to the wrist.
- Used for extremities and tubular structures.
Superficial and Deep
- Superficial means closer to the surface of the body.
- Deep means farther from the surface.
- Example: Skin is superficial to ribs; lungs are deep to ribs.
Unilateral and Bilateral
- Unilateral means affecting one side of the body.
- Bilateral means affecting both sides of the body.
- Example: Rash on one arm is unilateral; rash on both arms is bilateral.
Ipsilateral and Contralateral
- Ipsilateral means on the same side of the body.
- Contralateral means on opposite sides of the body.
- Example: Injuries on the right arm are ipsilateral; injury on right arm and left arm are contralateral.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Medial — Toward the midline of the body.
- Lateral — Away from the midline or towards the side.
- Superior (Cranial) — Toward the head or upper part.
- Inferior (Caudal) — Away from the head or toward the lower part.
- Anterior (Ventral) — Toward the front.
- Posterior (Dorsal) — Toward the back.
- Proximal — Nearer to the trunk or point of origin.
- Distal — Farther from the trunk or point of origin.
- Superficial — Closer to the surface.
- Deep — Farther from the surface.
- Unilateral — One side of the body.
- Bilateral — Both sides of the body.
- Ipsilateral — Same side of the body.
- Contralateral — Opposite sides of the body.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review class notes and practice identifying directional terms on diagrams.
- Watch the previous video on body planes and sections for more details.
- Access notes and related images on the linked website if needed.